Saturday, December 24, 2011

Pattern For Amigurumi Crochet Lego Minifigure

I had originally planned to test out this pattern before I posted it by making a new minifigure after the start of the New Year but with all the crafting I've done lately, I need a break. Testing the pattern will have to be pushed aside until I am sufficiently motivated. Therefore, I'm writing out this pattern exactly as I made it and have it in my notes (except the head...I did make a couple changes to the head pattern so he looks less like a conehead).

I'm not saying this is the best way or the fastest way to make a Lego minifigure, but it is the way I made one. Since I was unable to find a pattern for a Lego Minifigure, I thought even a rough pattern would be helpful to someone looking for one.

Just to throw another kink into it, and as full warning, I have to tell you that I have never written out a crochet pattern before...

The pattern is for the Lego head on the left. My original attempt is on the right.

Head - YELLOW
Stitch through both loops unless otherwise directed

MR, chain 1
1. 6 SC in ring
2. 2SC in each SC (12)
3. (2st, SC) 6 times (18)
4. (2st, SC, SC) 6 times (24)
5. (Optional. This puts a small rim around the top knob of the Lego head. If skipping, move on to round 6) in FL only, SL in each (24)

27 - 28. SC in each (21)
SL in next stitch (this last stitch will mark the back of the head). FO leaving a long yarn tail to attach head to body.

Attach Safety Eyes to the head: on the front of the head (opposite the yarn tail) place the eyes just above the middle of the head (between rows 14 and 15) and in line with the outer edges of the top knob. Mine had 5 stitches between each eye. I recommend positioning both eyes BEFORE securing the backs to them.

Use your yarn needle and black yarn to stitch a smile on. Then firmly stuff with poly-fill.

Body/Torso - Front, Back, and surrounding piece that makes up the sides and the top

Chain 21
1. SC in 2nd chain from hook and then across in each (20)
2-5. Chain 1 (does not count as stitch) then turn. SC in each (20)
6. Chain 1 (does not count as stitch) then turn. SC in 19 (19 plus 1 un-worked)
7. Chain 1 (does not count as stitch) then turn. SC in 18 (18 plus 1 un-worked)
8-11. Chain 1 (does not count as stitch) then turn. SC in each (18)
12. Chain 1 (does not count as stitch) then turn. SC in 17 (17 plus 1 un-worked)
13. Chain 1 (does not count as stitch) then turn. SC in 16 (16 plus 1 un-worked)
14-18. Chain 1 (does not count as stitch) then turn. SC in each (16)
(optional) SL around edges (I slip stitch around many of the edges to smooth them out and give me a nicer loop to stitch other pieces to. This step is totally optional.)
FO

Body (Sides & Top - stitched as one piece) - RED
This piece makes up the sides and the top of the body/torso area. Certain rows are stitched through the back or front loops only which helps the resulting rectangle bend in the right direction at the shoulders.

1. In YELLOW, MR with 6 SC (6)
2. 2sc in each (12)
3. BL only, SC in each (12)
4. SC in each (12)
5. In RED, FL only (2sc then SC) 6 times (18)
6. BL only, SC in each (18)
7 - 10. SC in each (18)
11-12. SC in next 5, SL in next 8, SC in next 5 (18)
13. SC in next 8, invdec, SC in next 8 (17)
14 - 16. SC in each (17)
17. Invdec, SC in next 8, invdec, SC in next 5 (15)
18. (invdec, SC) 5 times (10)
Insert safety eye between round 17 and 18 for arm joint. DO NOT SECURE WITH THE PLASTIC WASHER YET. Make sure the arm bends toward the front and the safety eye is on either the right or left side of the arm depending on which arm you are working on. Firmly stuff with polyfill.
19. invdec 5 times
FO. Use yarn needle to weave in the yarn end.

Hands - Make 2

Hands (make 2)- YELLOW
There are no wires or plastic canvas in these hands. They can get deformed during play, but can be easily reformed to their proper "Lego hand" shape.

Stitch through both loops unless otherwise directed

1. Chain 15
2. SC in 2nd chain from hook and each across (14)
3. Chain 1, turn and SC in each across (14)
4. Chain 1, turn and SC in 6, sc2tog, SC in next 5, 3 SC in last stitch (15)
5. Turn corner and SC in open loops with 3 SC in corner (4)
6. Turn corner and SC in 5, sc2tog, SC in next 5, 3 SC in last stitch (14)
7. Turn corner and SC in open loops with 3 SC in corner (5)
8. Turn corner and SC in 4, sc2tog, sc2tog, SC in next 5, 3 SC in last stitch (14)
9. Turn corner, SC in 3, 3 SC in last stitch (6)
10. Turn corner and SC in 5, sc2tog, sc2tog, SC in next 6 (13)
FO

Stitch hands to wrist areas on the arms.

Completed hand attached to the arm

Attach the arms. Push safety eye pins (the ones previously inserted into the arms) through the torso sides about one or two rows down from the shoulder:

Inside the body, secure the safety eyes with the backings/plastic washers that came with the eyes:

Lego Minifigure with arms and head attached

Base/Hip area

Base (Hip Section)- BLUENote: On my finished minifigure, this area seemed a bit small. You may want to widen it by another few stitches and lengthen it by a couple rows.

Leg Surrounds - Make 2 - BLUE
This piece makes up the back, front and base of each leg/foot. Certain rows are stitched through the back or front loops only which helps the resulting rectangle bend in the right direction to follow the outline of the leg side pieces.

The leg surround starts at the top back of the leg. The end of the leg surround is the top of the front of the leg.

Stitch one leg side to the long surround. Before stitching the second side to the surround, cut a piece of plastic canvas to fit the foot and insert it into the base:

Then resume stitching the second side on. Fill with Poly-fill:

Sew the leg tops to the hip section, stuffing any yarn tails into the leg. Once you're to the second leg, I found it easier to stitch on the inner leg seam first. It allows you to push the rest of the leg aside allowing you to see better.

For a Dutch translation you can join the Facebook group Het Zwart Schaapje. (translation provided by Nanske)

If you find an error, please let me know so I can correct it! If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I'll help you as best I can. Eventually, I will test this pattern myself and will possibly rewrite some areas as well. But I hope the pattern as is will help you create your own Lego mini-figure without too much guesswork.

The following are posts made during the creation of the Lego Minifigure. There isn't much instruction, but there might be some helpful info in the posts anyway.

Thanks! I think you could try to up the hook size and use a bulkier yarn, though I'd watch the progress carefully. I tried changing up yarn on one pattern a couple months ago and the head wound up more elongated than I expected or wanted.

Found your blog while looking for another crochet pattern and the lego caught my eye. my girls love legos too. We also spent 30 years in warm climate before moving high and cold, So-cal to Idaho. Didn't catch any of your posts but snooped a little at the titles. Warm wishes for your fam.

Hi Carole! The hands are basically a rectangle with the decreases in the two longer sides (this makes them draw inward curving the hand). Make three SC in each corner SC. When I say "turn corner", it's just to let you know you're working on a different side of the rectangle. It might be easier if I just took out that wording completely :)

Hello. Let me start out by saying I LOVE THIS GUY!! I have tried the head about 5 times following your directions and mine NEVER comes out looking like that. I dont know what I am doing wrong. Do you have a you tube video maybe?

The pattern should make the knob on top of the head more defined. I am making a head right now and taking pictures as I go along. Hopefully that will help. I will say this, the head always looked misshapen until was almost done and then didn't look really "right" until I stuffed it.

I did notice that round 6 said "In BL only of round 5, SC in each (24)" and it should read "In BL only of round 4, SC in each (24)". I have corrected that part.

I'm on round 15 right now with my head. I'll try to get it done today/tomorrow and post the images for you.

Have you made any of the other parts? If so, did the pattern work out for you?

I have not tried it again yet, was waiting to hear back from you. Thank you so much for mentioning that it always looks wrong until you stuff it. That was part of the reason I undid it all the time. Also, I was never able to get the top to look like yours. I will try it again tonight. I can't wait to see your new pictures. Again, thank you.

DUH!! Didn't even notice the new pictures were up already!! haha. Like I said, I will try it again tonight but my biggest problem before was mine would look like a funny circle. I could never get the top part to look legoish like yours. I am hoping I can get it right. We are going to LegoLand in Florida in a month and I want to surprise my son with this.

Ok, I am sorry for posting so many times in a row but I just had to tell you.. I got to excited and could not wait until tonight so I am working on it right now. It is turning out EXACTLY like your pictures!! I did not know before that I had to turn it "inside" out at step 6 or 7 and now that I did it looks just like a lego head. Thank you SO much for redoing the directions. My son will love you for life!! haha YOU ROCK!!!

Oh, I am so glad, Becky! And thank you for questioning the pattern. Making the head again got me to not only correct a couple things in the pattern but also started me making a Lego minifigure for my new nephew :)

Sorry to post again, I just wanted to ask a question and possibly offer a bit of advice. I am left handed, I have noticed that where you say BL or FL that I have to do the opposite. Is that normal for a lefty when following a pattern from a righty? Or am I the one that is backwards?? lol I am still new to crocheting in general and have always made hats. This is my FIRST attempt at something else.

Hi Becky! I'm pretty sure the back loops and front loops will be the same whether you are right handed or left handed. Just the direction you are stitching would be changed. Here's a website I like that has some tips for crocheting amigurumi (and I think she's left-handed) but she does address left and right handed instructions: http://www.planetjune.com/blog/amigurumi-help/

Ok, I am feeling HORRIBLE for asking so many questions but I have one for the arm. Where you make the elbow, yours actually looks like the arm is bent a bit. Mine on the other hand puffs out. I was just wondering if we were supposed to SL into the front loops or something. Sorry for all of the questions and thank you for all of your help.

Please don't feel bad for asking questions! You SL only in certain stitches in rounds 11 and 12. This creates the bend in the arm - and it is only a slight bend. Round 13 has a decrease which minimizes any "poof" in the upper arm. Once the arm is stuffed (stuff it very full), you can manipulate the shape of the arm more. My first try gave me an arm with a bulging bicep. You can see the difference here: http://coloradohomefront.blogspot.com/2011/11/amigurumi-lego-mini-figure-arms.html

I AM DONE!! I AM DONE!! For being my first anything other than a hat I think he turned out pretty cute. I have a hard time with the sewing parts together but I think I did a good job if I say so myself. Thank you so very much for he pattern and the help along the way.

That's wonderful, Becky! Congratulations! Are you hiding him from your son until your trip or are you giving it to him right away? If you post a picture of him online, let me know. I'd love to see him!

I was going to wait but couldn't. lol I gave it to him when I finished,,, he LOVES it!! I have a picture on my facebook. Wish I could post one here. Now both of my girls want ones so I am doing it in girly colors. I think I am going to attach hair for them.

LMAO! My 7 year old wants a pink and purple one and my 3 year old wants an all pink one. I am going to just attach the hair by tying knots inside and pulling it through. It wont look ENTIRELY like a lego girl that way but I am sure they will not care. lol

Hi Trish,Thank you for this pattern.My grandson asked me an Emmet lego in crochet and I'm trying to find explanations. Yours are great.I've a doubt: when you say "Turn corner and SC in open loops with 3 SC in corner", what means exactly "open loops". Is the lateral loop of the work?thanks for your attention. Telma

That just means you will SC in each stitch across and stitch 3 SC in the last on the row (the corner stitch since you will be turning the corner and stitching. Since you are making a rectangle, the last spot on each row is the corner stitch.

This is so great! Just like you, I wanted to make a lego mini-figure for my son, but I could not find the pattern, so I made one by myself. As a coïncidence I used exactly the same colours as you did. I would like to show you, I was convinced that I put the pattern online, but it turned out I didn't. However, your 'mini' figure looks great and I might just make another one following this pattern.

I am so excited to have found this pattern, I have not crocheted in a while and this is my first stuffed toy. I was hoping you could explain how to do step 3 for the head, I am not sure what (2st, SC) 6 times means. Thanks so much, can't wait to finish this for my son :-)

Hi! Sorry about the confusion. This is the first pattern I've ever written so I find I still have to work out some kinks and explain some things.

The (2st, SC) means 2 SC in one stitch then a SC in the next stitch. You are increasing stitches here to make the head wider so "(2st, SC) 6 times" means you would do 2 SC in one stitch, then 1 SC in the next hole, then repeat 5 more times. You should wind up with 18 stitches total for that round.

Have the head done and getting ready to start on the rest of Lego man. So excited to finish this and also make a lego blanket for my 22 month old grandson's new big boy bed. Thank you for this pattern.

We are doing a round up of Lego Crochet and Knit patterns. We would like to include your Lego Man in the round up as it fits the lego theme.

We may use your photo in a roundup collage at the top of the post and then a full size picture in the body of the post with a link to your site for the instructions. We will not be posting any instructions, just pictures and links.

Can't make any sense of these hands at all.. not getting any og it really for the hands but how on row 9 after turning are we just crocheting into the first 3 and the last 3. What about all the stitches in between? :/ :/ :/ xx

Hi Jo! I'm so sorry you're having trouble with the hands. You are decreasing stitches on the sides to create the "curve" to the hand. The "sc2tog" means you are single crocheting in 2 stitches together (crocheting one stitch into 2 spaces). You could skip a stitch instead, I guess, but that might leave gaps.

Im ok up until step 5 then I do as it says and turn the corner then waiting to see what to do along that line but then the next step says turn corner? I think this is where it is going wrong as theres a while lounge that hasn't been worked and I can't turn around a corner that isn't there? X

Also still baffled by row 9. If we've just turned a corner then there's still a while row of stitches to be worked but sc in 3 then sc 3 in last stitch only aptness for 4 of them.. what about ask if those in between. I'm sorry to be a pain. I knew it was going too well, just don't want to give up on it now as it's looking so great x

Row 9 should be a short end of the hand. You Single Crochet in 3 stitches, the do 3 single crochet stitches in the corner. I wish I had pictures to show you. Sometimes it's SO much easier with a visual :)

He is SUPER cute! Thanks for sharing! I have 2 grandsons and its so hard to find things for boys! WHY?!!!!! lol anyways I will be making 2 of these very soon! Thank you so much! I too live in Colorado! How cool!

We have a webshop and a toy store in the Netherlands that sells LEGO. We referred our customers to your website and they love it. But some of them don't understand English. We would love to translate your pattern into Dutch and place it on our website and use your pictures too. We will of course metion your name. Would you please give us permission to do so?

I think that would be wonderful for you to translate this pattern tutorial for your customers! You are welcome to also use my pictures. I ask that when you give credit, you also link to the pattern on this site.

Please sent me the link when you have it ready and I'll post it here for any visitors that might need a Dutch translation.

While I was reading some of the comments, I noticed the first one was asking about upsizing the Lego figure. I've done a few projects like this with animals and found the easiest way to upsizing is to double up the yarn and use a slightly larger hook. It also eliminates the issue of the stitches not being tight enough and it no longer shows the stuffing through the stitches as well. I love doing all kinds of different crochet patterns just to see what I can do. I love a challenge. Also my ole' man and my kids fight over the Legos, so this one I think I'm going to have to make one for everybody just to keep the peace. Lol! Happy Crocheting!!!

Good morning ...Is there already a translation of your wonderful Lego guy? otherwise I like to translate it for My members ( small crochet group on FB) and of course I'll send you the translation for your blog

Hi I'm Nanske from Belgium My Friend and I have a FB group for friends and some of them asked me if I would translate your wonderful Pattern of This Legoman into DutchCan I please have your permission ??I will make a pdf of the translation and put the link to your blog on it or I give you the translation and put the link of your blog on my groupGreetings and BlessingsNanskePanske

Hi Nanske! Yes, you can translate it and direct people with a link here to the original source. Please post your FB group here so other dutch crocheters can find you. Another person had asked to translate the instructions into Dutch but never left a link here to the translation. Thank you!